ORGANIZATION


In scoring state assessment papers, one of the traits that is easily recognizable is the trait of organization. Organization is really the structure of the writing - the framework that supports the ideas contained within.

In very young writers, some early signs of organization include:
  • several pictures on the same topic, in sequential order
  • information grouped by circling, highlighting, and drawing lines between connected thoughts
  • beginnings
  • connecting words such as and, but, and so
  • sequencing words such as first, then, later, and the end
  • a sense of time through a sequence of events
  • labels, titles, captions
  • lists (Culham, 2005)

Working with developing writers with organization, there are three main areas to concentrate on:
  • writing the introduction - a lead that hooks the reader
  • developing the middle of the paper - a core that is logically organized and contains clearly linked details
  • writing the conclusion - an ending that leaves the reader satisfied (Culham, 2003)


Organization Handout (Madison, WI)

Lesson Ideas for Organization